Pounce [Rhuryc]

[Atzi]

Golden eyes looked up at Rhuryc for a moment as the man spoke. “I don't think we belong here.” A happiness filled Atzi at one simple word: “We”. Simple things made the would exuberantly happy, small, short words, little gestures, the tiniest of things sent her mind reeling. Rhuryc started off running and the kelvic followed him, her paws slamming into the snow as she chased after him. The white powder slowed the tigers normal speed, she still didn't know what to think of this quantity of snow. The man seemed to be playing his own game with her, slowing as she caught up to him, going from one side to another as the two ran. Gold eyes glanced around erratically to keep track of the energetic man. The duo returned to the spot where their possessions remained, a few of the items Rhuryc quickly picked back up and returned to his person. Atzi trudged over to her items, shifting back into the small woman who owned the pile that rested in the snow. “Your feet must be getting cold by now. You should put your boots on.” The woman was already ahead of him, her feet were freezing and numb, probably a bad sign, but the kelvic figured a burning fire and a warm washing would fix her up. On her side below her ribs was a slight discoloration, nothing too shocking, Rhuryc had kneed her pretty well. Atzi picked up the fur cloak the man had bestowed upon her only a few days prior as well as the small golden locket which quickly returned to her neck. “They are cold, but I'm sure they'll be better after that bath you owe me.” Atzi flashed the man a triumphant grin as she clasped the locket around her neck. The red head stepped up next to Rhuryc, her small, frozen hand slipped into Rhuryc's calloused one, her fingers intertwining as she began to lead the two. “I don't think you will ever have to worry about something my size,” The way Atzi said 'my' was slightly strange, as if she was talking about another person entirely. “If we ever encounter anything that large, I wouldn't let it near you.” Gold eyes looked up to Rhuryc with a small smile. The two walked back through the walls and into Avanthal, the kelvic nodded with a cheerful bubbly smile to the Polar bears on watch as the two passed back into the city. Atzi was in a terribly good mood, it was clear that the running and playing had gotten rid of the pent up energy the tiger had built up inside the city walls. Atzi opened the door to the home the two were sharing and slipped through the threshold, her hand still pressed into Rhuryc's, only once the two were fully in the home did the woman let go. She closed the door behind them and promptly removed her boots. All ten toes wiggled as she looked down at them, they were pale and lacking color, and if Rhuryc were to feel them, they would be frozen little ice cubes. “If you start a fire, I'll gather supper from the cupboard.” Atzi said as she removed the fur coat, setting it on a hook next to the door. The nude woman walked across the cottage to where she had carefully set the clothes Rhuryc had gotten for her. It was colder than Atzi would have wanted it to be in their residence, but it would surely heat up with a fire. Atzi took out the silk nightshirt, slipped it over her head. After the woman had covered herself with something she moved over to the cupboard with food. From the cupboard, Atzi removed a few items which would suffice for supper, a chunk of smoked meat, cheese and bread, nothing spectacular, but Atzi wouldn't be picky. The woman cradled the items in her arms and set them down on the table. Golden eyes moved from the food to Rhuryc, she watch him for a few moments, he was starting a fire, a simple task he'd done dozens upon dozens of times. The kelvic padded up behind him, her bare feet making a distinct noise against the wooden floor. Atzi's hands reached out and lightly touched Rhuryc's blond mop of hair, lightly fiddling with the strands. “At least you won't need to shower for a few days.... You're welcome.” A small giggle left the woman's lips as she ran her fingers through his hair.

[Rhuryc]

Bath? What bath. Oh. That bath. Balls. He gave her a strange look. The hand holding was new. Maybe not entirely unwelcome. On their trek back to the city Rhuryc found himself confused. Quiet. Atzi seemed to be able to do enough talking for the both of them, he observed as he often did. The way she moved, the subtle spring in her step. From the looks of it, getting her out of that blasted cabin was one of his best ideas in the past year. They passed beneath the icy gates of the city, through the entrance pavilion and off toward the comfortable, albeit packed, cabins for the semi-permanent visitors of the city. There was never much traffic here. His own home - their own he spposed - was a quaint little thing somewhat separated from the pack. That was why he chose it. A mishap of architecture. Private, ignored, outcast from the rest of those that lingered. The rhythmic crunch of his boots turned in thumping. He much preferred that sound. As per his usual custom Rhuryc removed both of his coats, boots, and the sword when the two were safe from the elements. The blade was kept sheathed and placed neatly next to its partner shield and leather armor, the set disassembled and kept off in the corner of the room. Fire. Right. He would neat it to heat the water. Bah, why did he take off his boots? They should have visited the well before hand. Stupid bathes. Public houses were far superior to these basins kept inside here, hell, at least then it didn't take hours just to wash. He could complain latter. For the time being he offered Atzi a silent acknowledgement, doing what he could to keep his vision from the nude specimen. One of these days he would convince her that clothing was a good thing. He rustled up a fire in no time. Daily routine was just that. Routine. His eyes remained on the exposed flame as it grew, poking and otherwise proding while it grew in size. And there it was. Beneath the snap and crack of the fire the tell-tale tap of the Kelivc's approach alerted him to her presence. At times he would pretend not to notice and would let Atzi sneak up, feigning surprise at her actions; today, though, he was hungry. Working out did that. Her fingers twisting through his hair was strange. Just deserts, maybe? He did it all the time. Even when she was human. With a glance he flicked his vision over a shoulder at the woman and reached up to take the plates she held. He set them aside for the time being, his eyes lingering on the half-dressed woman before him. Peculiar. In the flickering light he saw her differently. Never mind the fact that her legs were almost entirely exposed or the glow of her joy lit up her face. Huh. "Most of the time I just jump into a lake outside the city when I want to bathe." His lips curled into a grin. Rhuryc reached up again and grasped one of Atzi's hands in his own - were they really so small? He gently tugged and beckoned her down, his own body shifting back toward the fire. He was up to something. An arm wrapped around the woman. Then another. He drew her over and in front of his lap so that the both of them could see the hearth. As with most things concerning Rhuryc the embrace was firm, yet oddly gentle, and most importantly he was warm. He pressed his back against Atzi's chest and his head rested over a shoulder. "Let's get you warm, hm?"

[Atzi]

Rhuryc reached up, taking the plate of food from her and setting it down next to the hearth. Green eyes lingered on the woman, but Atzi didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't mind; her fingers continued to lightly play with the blond strands. “Lake? Isn't it far too cold to be jumping in a lake?” Atzi blinked at the man, confused, what a foolish idea, jumping into a lake in this climate! It was almost absurd. A strong hand reached up and took one of Atzi's cold ones, beckoning her down to the hearth. Atzi sat in front of the flames which continued to grow, her back pressed against Rhuryc, his arms wrapped around her. Strange, that fuzzy feeling that filled her mind was back. The kelvic felt like she had already melted, what else warming needed to happen? Oh, right, her hands were still more like icicles than fingers. One of her cold hands reached up to her shoulder where Rhuryc's head was, cold fingers lightly grazed the side of his face as she turned her head slightly, resting her forehead against his temple. Her eyes looked at the man, up close there were so many more details. The stubble that speckled his cheeks and chin, his eye lashes, the varying shades of green that filled his eyes, his lips... Gold eyes closed as a smile crossed her face. She wanted to say something. But what was there to say? The kelvic kept her fingers against Rhuryc's face for a chime or two before she moved her hands together, holding them out towards the dancing flames. Her face moved from resting against Rhuryc's to looking straight ahead at the fire. “Where will we go, Rhuryc?” Her voice was soft and low, almost a whisper. The kelvic was remembering earlier outside of Avanthal, he had said himself that they wouldn't be staying in Avanthal. Color had returned to the red heads feet by this time, her toes wiggled in the flickering light of the fire. It was nice having feeling back in her toes. Her hands were still cold, but not nearly as cold as when she had touched Rhuryc's face. Atzi was warm, but she wasn't about to let Rhuryc know, she enjoyed his arms around her, she enjoyed feeling his lungs fill and empty in a constant rhythm against her. Atzi sat silently for several chimes, she'd forgotten entirely about the plate of food. The woman twisted, turning away from the fire to face the man who held her. She knelt before him, her hands resting on the mans shoulders. Golden eyes stared down affectionately at Rhuryc. It was nice having someone care for her, even if he didn't mean it the same as she took it. Thin fingers trailed up Rhuryc's neck, tracing his veins up to his jaw, an index finger ran over the mandible, stopping at the middle of his chin. Atzi's thumb touched his lower lip lightly, her eyes seemed focused and perhaps slightly perplexed at her own actions. What was she doing? She asked herself again and again. What if this wasn't what he wanted? Her fingers moved to his hair again, running through the strands as she leaned down, the tip of her nose touching his. Alert vibrant eyes looked down into Rhuryc's for a moment before closing. It was soft, sweet, but not short. Atzi touched her lips to Rhuryc's, kissing him softly, her fingers still intertwined with his hair. Atzi's heart pounded as if she'd run for hours, her arms shook, her fingers twitched. And a smile spread across her face, against his lips. The woman pulled away slowly; golden eyes opening to look into the face of Rhuryc. She was silent for a moment, an almost stupid smile resting on her face, a stupidly happy smile. “I think I'm warm now.” Atzi let out a small laugh as she sat back on her feet, her hands moving a pulling the plate of food closer. “I don't know about you... But, I'm hungry.” Atzi picked up a piece of dried meat and tore it in two, holding out half for Rhuryc.

[Rhuryc]

"I don't know. Somewhere warmer, I think. Definitely south." Rhuryc chuckled and nestled himself into that crook between Atzi's neck and shoulder, his eyes lingering upon the fire as the Kelvic accustomed herself to his embrace. It was just as easy to let her sit by the fire on her own but this felt right. Good, even. So it was that he sat there in silence, his arms curled up beneath the woman's chest with a single hand caressing the skin of an exposed arm. Gentle. A single thumb slid rhythmically down the pale flesh, absent in its existence, but guided in some subtle sign of affection. He could have sat there for hours. Days. His mind, for once, was calm, and his body relaxed. Nothing hurt. Old wounds were quiet. The only sign that the man was even still alive was the occasional breath that pushed against Atzi's back. To be content was a strange, new idea for the man. For just a moment he felt at ease. Then she moved. Hm? He loosened his hold and allowed the Kelvic movement, light in his manner lest he be so overbearing. What was she on about? Their eyes met. The golden color of his companion was unique - racial, perhaps, but to him it was as if she was constructed from the precious metal itself, sculpted for some benign purpose and left with only a hint of such a creation. There was something deeper there. Was she surprised? Intent? From a simple glance she appeared confused. Good, that made two of them. Yet what cmae next was no surprise. Beneath the warmth of the fire and the crack of flames, the two of them kissed. Her touch was light. Easy. Her lips against his was a breath of fresh air, a chilled candy with a hint of warmth in its center. He liked it. The gesture did not go unanswered. Rhuryc leaned forward, a hand rising to cup Atzi's cheek within a calloused palm. His other arm wrapped about the woman's side and for a moment, just a moment, they were inseparable, his open eyes humorously staring into the closed lids of his companion. Perhaps more than a companion. When they parted Rhuryc laid another, smaller kiss on the Kelvic's closed lips and swayed back, watching the woman in her reverie. Ah. That made sense now. He laughed alongside the woman and gave her a reassuring grin before taking the offered exchange, holding it aloft without much of an appetite. There was something else to fill him for now. His mind, for one, was bent on a whole new layer of sensations. Things he had never before noticed - or rather, things he ignored. The way Atzi looked in the flickering light, the silhouette of her perfect form against the barren walls. Even her voice, that bubbly, innocent way she carried herself. All of it drew him in. There were feelings there. Something he had not felt in too long. "I think you are." Rhuryc grinned again, his head shaking as he glanced down at the meat. "Warm. That is." He bit off a chunk of the meal, hurried to finish the morsel. If not for the jovial attitude he might have appeared ill at ease or even rushed. In truth, he just wanted to kiss her again. "We've got the rest of the day ahead of us, hm? Why don't we go explore the city a bit. You'll have to wear clothes though."

[Atzi]

The kelvic was glad her gesture was as well received as it had been. The action seemed to clear up the questions that lingered within Atzi. The way she felt when she looked at Rhuryc, touched him, smelled him, they all were suddenly explained. While the feelings and actions where new and strange, the kelvic found a great deal of pleasure in them. Even if her mind felt muddled from time to time, it had an enjoyable side effect. Her mind reeled as she watched Rhuryc, while she slowly took her fill of food. She was hungry, on the other hand, the tigress usually was. “Although.. I could stand to be warmer.” A playful smirk danced across her face as the Kelvic turned to face the fire again, leaning back against Rhuryc. Atzi continued to nibble on the morsels from the plate as her eyes watched the flames flickering before her. “We've got the rest of the day ahead of us, hm? Why don't we go explore the city a bit. You'll have to wear clothes, of course.” Atzi scoffed at the comment. “But I am wearing clothes...” The kelvic tugged at the bottom of the nightshirt. Appropriate attire was still beyond her. With a sigh she glanced over her shoulder at her bond mate. “Could I... Wear that dress?” A wide smile crossed her face, the fancy red dress. Atzi would eye it daily, and occasionally when Rhuryc was at the forge, Atzi would put it on and spin around the small cabin. The kelvic finished a chunk of cheese that was still in her hand with one large mouthful, she resembled a small rodent hording food in its mouth. Quickly, the woman got up, moving over to where she had left the clothes Rhuryc had given her. From the pile she pulled out a pair of stockings, under garments and the fine, vibrant red dress. Atzi went about changing, pulling off the nightshirt and discarding it on the bed, pulling on the fancy under garments and stockings, which landed just above her knees. The kelvic wiggled her toes. Strange, they were like soft, useless boots. The red head carefully picked up the deep red dress, slowly pulling it over her pale skin. The fabric was soft and smooth against Atzi flesh, elegant, the woman smiled at the garment. The dress was long, nearly reaching the floor. It didn't have long sleeves, but it had thick straps that went over her collar bones. The neck line was a smooth, low rounded one, exposing pale flesh and the golden locket Rhuryc had gotten for her. The dress was simple, but the color and sheen of the fabric gave it a life of its own. The kelvic spun in place, holding her arms out to the sides. Such fancy things, the kelvic felt like a queen, and Rhuryc was her king. Such simple gestures and such a grandiose reception. Atzi stopped her twirling, side stepping to maintain her upright orientation. Golden eyes landed on Rhuryc with a soft smile. When Atzi was around Rhuryc her past was nothing for her to worry about, she didn't think of the grave mistake she made, she didn't think of the fire, the blood, the deaths. All the Kelvic thought about was him, all she thought about was what would make him happy, what he wanted. For the first time in nearly a year, the kelvic's heart was not heavy, it was not pained with the past. The woman stepped up to Rhuryc, holding her hand out for him to take if he so desired. “Where shall we go, Rhu?” The kelvic seemed much bubblier than normal, her eyes gleamed, her face held a slight pink hue around the cheeks, and her step had a new, revitalized energy to it. Oh how happy that little cat was.

[Rhuryc]

"You're barely decent enough as it is. You've got legs enough to make any man blush, woman." Rhuryc scoffed at her scoffing. That much was the truth at least. The sheer willpower it took for the man not to stare was insurmountable. Somehow, though, he managed. When Atzi leaned back against his chest he felt that warm, fuzzy feeling hit him again. His mind set itself at ease. Odd how he had not even noticed it was upset at the break. Already he regretted offering to depart the cabin. He would be content to sit there for the rest of the day, immobile, doting on this woman while she rested against him. When she smiled, he smiled. That bright, wide innocence that overtook her countenance was enough to lighten the day on its own. Between that and the nibbling Rhuryc had to force himself back. Control. That was the name of the game. When she left he felt that unease return to his mind, the common, casual grinding that he kept with him at every turn. How had he not noticed that before? Only when it was gone did he find the nerve to so much as even contemplate it, but for now there were far more important things to see to. Like food. With Atzi's departure the hunger returned. Rhuryc stood, plates in hand, and made his into the kitchen to remove that temptation to watch the woman change. That would be harder to do now. Shifting away from the common room he shoved a few morsels into his mouth and choke them down before depositing the rest into their proper holding places. Gah. Thirst. There was still some wine left. When he came back out Rhuryc had a cup filled with what remained of the wine he kept. Better than the water from the well. He stopped short at the Kelvic in her dress. Good choice. Better on his part. Very suddenly he was glad that he had not known much about clothing, the tailor did a fine job in suggesting that. And it fit. Luck, for once, was on his side. He watched her revel for some time. She was happy. And so was he. He tossed back his cup and down the brunt of the liquid, unsure of just how it was he would deal with the rest of the day. Damn it all, he could barely bring himself to step outside, but the excitement in every step of the woman was far too much to ignore. How could keep that couped up in this drab of a place? Instead of taking the extended hand Rhuryc wrapped an arm around Atzi's lower back. He drew her in and close, his head lowering as he planted another, light kiss on the woman's lips. "You look brilliant." A compliment if any. He leaned his forehead against her own as he met her gaze with his own, green mixing with gold. "The sculpture yard, maybe. What do you think?" He turned his torso toward the woman and added his other arm to the embrace, keeping her close as if he feared he may just lose her.

[Atzi]

The kelvic giggled quietly as Rhuryc pulled her close and kissed her. “You look brilliant.” His forehead rested against hers. A smile was ingrained on her face as she looked up into green orbs. Atzi could nearly hear his heart, she could easily hear her own, quicker than normal. How strange of an evening. What developments unfolded in such a short span of time. Of course, for the Kelvic, the feelings and desires had been brewing since the moment she carried the poor man back to this frozen city. Atzi's arms found themselves around Rhuryc's neck, her fingers intertwining behind his head. “The sculpture yard, maybe. What do you think?” The woman thought for a chime or two before responding. “I will go wherever you go.” The woman pressed herself against Rhuryc, as if trying to press every molecule of air that stood between them out of the way. “Sculpture yard sounds... Interesting. We could just walk and see where we end up.” The woman smiled up at Rhuryc for a moment before kissing him once more. Such a sweet sensation, pure bliss, like a god speaking to a true believer. With the fine contact, Atzi let go of the man and turned to put on her boots, cloak, mittens and hat. At least she would remain warm without Rhuryc's assistance while out and about; though Atzi would have preferred his warmth to that of a dead creature she wore. “Well, the sooner we leave, the sooner we get back.” Atzi winked, her hand resting on the door handle, she would let Rhuryc lead the two of them.

[Cheshire]

. Character: Atzi Experience: Interrogation +3, Brawling +2, Seduction +3, Grooming +1, Running +2 Lore: Loving Instead of Fighting, Pinning a Man Down, Seeing Sparring as Play, Warm and Fuzzy Feelings for Another, Forgetting the Pain Character: Rhuryc Experience: Leadership +1, Observation +1, Brawling +2, Running +2, Wilderness Survival +1, Seduction +2 Lore: Planning for Sparring, Learning the Opponent's Movements, Understanding the Growl of a Challenge, Trying to Understand a Kelvic Additional Note: Amazing thread guys! I loved reading this so much. I think you have made me into a fan. I really enjoyed the slow build of romance between the two. PM me with any concerns.